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If you’ve heard an iFi Zen stream, anything better under $1k?

What is the best streamer under $1k? Used included.

I had an iFi Zen stream when they first came out and I put it up against a node 2i and a pi4 and it sounded the best by far using the same external DAC for each. The issue was that it was as buggy as can be but I’ve heard they are a bit better now.

it’s a steal at $400 even if you spend another $100-$200 on a better power supply but has anyone heard better?

blkwrxwgn
blkwrxwgn OP
240 posts
 

Thanks for the feedback.  I guess I never thought of the OS much because I use Roon exclusively. 

fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,624 posts
 

The Magnum Mano Ultra is the one to beat under $1K.

vinylvalet
902 posts
 

I have several Zen Streams around the house and they worked perfectly out of the box. I have not experienced anything "buggy".

knighttodd's avatar
knighttodd
203 posts
 

I have a Cambridge cxnv2.  Works great never crashed. Roon works flawless. Upgraded it with the Modwright tube stage. Really sounds good now. The stock Wolson dac was very good also. Looked into the Magnum Mano, but it's not plug and play. Needs to be set up with a computer. Nice unit.

blkwrxwgn OP
240 posts
 
fuzztone

3,815 posts

The Magnum Mano Ultra is the one to beat under $1K.

@fuzztone Can you find that for under $1k? An interesting option for sure.

 

vinylvalet

436 posts

I have several Zen Streams around the house and they worked perfectly out of the box. I have not experienced anything "buggy".

@vinylvalet glad to hear, I might try it again. Mine was super buggy and the retailer I got it from had to take a lot of units back.

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